Two American cruise passengers died Friday in separate drowning incidents at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination on Grand Bahama Island.
The first incident involved a 79-year-old man who reportedly drowned while snorkeling around 1 p.m. local time. Our News Bahamas first reported the tragedy, posting on Facebook:
“DROWNING: A 79-year-old American reportedly drowned while snorkeling near Celebration Key around 1 p.m. today (Friday, August 15). Police say the incident is currently under active investigation.”
Later in the day, authorities confirmed a second fatality at the same location. A 74-year-old woman died while swimming in a pool at the destination. Both incidents are under investigation by Bahamian authorities.
Carnival Cruise Line Statement
In a statement to Cruise Radio, Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday — one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away.”
It went on to say, “One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance.”
At the time of the incidents, only two ships were docked at Celebration Key: Carnival Elation, sailing from Jacksonville on a Bahamas cruise, and Carnival Mardi Gras, sailing from Port Canaveral on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage.
Celebration Key
Celebration Key is Carnival’s $600 million private destination on Grand Bahama Island. It features a one-mile beach, a 350-million-gallon freshwater lagoon, and multiple local food and beverage options.
The destination officially opened on July 19, with Carnival Vista as the first ship to call.
A total of 18 Carnival ships are scheduled to visit Celebration Key this year, with 20 expected next year. The destination is slated to host at least one ship per day over the next 12 months.
A similar incident occurred in 2023 when a 26-year-old passenger drowned at MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
